Today I officially became a Member of Parliament. My appointment with the Deputy Clerk of the House of Commons was at 3pm, and was slightly delayed. During the delay I wandered the main hallway. On the walls are portraits of Canada’s former Prime Ministers. Diefenbaker, Trudeau, Mulroney and others graced the corridor to the house where many of these former PM’s once sat. It was not lost on me that each one of these former leaders has helped to create the policies and laws that have shaped this great country that we all know and love.

As I waited outside the room I would take my oath in, the doors soon opened and I realized the reason for the slight delay. Another new MP from the Innu community was being sworn in right before me. There was a large delegation witnessing the ceremony. I could sense an immense amount of pride in that room, tears of happiness and joy, a gathering of family and friends. It was clearly a very special moment they shared together.

It was at that point that I realized the true significance of being an MP. It’s more then representing our constituents in Ottawa. It is being part of a country where people of all walks of life can run and be elected into Parliament. During my orientation these past few days I have met a huge cross-section and diversity of people from all across Canada.

There is a new dynamic here in Ottawa and I get a sense that there is a sincere interest in doing things differently. I am excited and honoured to be a part of it.

Leave a Reply.

In addition to his weekly MP Report. the Dan in Ottawa blog is another resource for residents of Okanagan-Coquihalla. Chronicling Dan’s personal experiences as he travels to Ottawa and throughout the riding as your MP.